Junior Women's National Team

#rowingproblems

2011-07-24T08:18:00.001-07:00

People often see rowing and think that it is easy. Honestly, the better rower you are, the easier it looks. But behind the scenes, many suffer from rowing's hidden dangers.

#ihavebuttrash @jessica eiffert #freshman @mia croonquist
#ihaventeateninthreemonths @christine devlin
#imonlyrowinguntilmymusicalcareerlaunches @channy lallz @rosie
#mymetabolismistoofast @maddie wolf
#tallgirlproblems @eliza spilz
#thecoachesdontknowmyname @coco "bozz" bozinni
#myhairisntblondenough @jessica eiffert

#ilovemydog @georgia ratcliff

#isthisovertheline? @lucy grinalds
#thisisntsociallyacceptable @logan hairis
#jcrewdoesntmakeunisuits @katie toothman
#myhairkeepsgettingcaughtintheslide @caitlin byrnes
#nooneunderstandsmyfrenchsongs @charlotte passot
#thisisntacontactsport? @ken-doll chase
#callmeDJFitz @deirdre fitzgerald
#ithoughtthiswasthejuniornationaldanceteam @abbie young
#goldhair=goldmedals @liz trond
#swingrowat100percentpressure @kate maloney
#gottahavethatsynergy @sandy armstrong
#cometakearideinmyconvertable @susan francia

HAPPY PYGMY MARMOSET DAY!

2011-01-23T08:12:00.001-08:00

How the Grinalds's stole Christmas

2010-12-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

The snow began about two weeks ago, a little after the last new moon. I remember it like it was this morning at 11 o'clock...Lucy was erging up a storm (in hindsight I believe she may have caused the blizzard itself through her exertions, literally erging "up a storm" - take note, authorities, once again Luscious is to blame...). I am in the family cave on top of Mt. Crumpit, located above Whoville.

Suddenly, my brother Andrew ran in, screaming. I knew something was amiss because he had taken off his bonnet and was not frolicking about as usual. It seemed that there was a white substance falling from the sky, nobody really knew what it was (I am still unsure). The natives call it "snow" but are unsure of its composition. The Who teens here eat it in a misguided attempt to get high, it's called "snowing" and it kills (millions? thousands? billions? no one? who really knows?).

Jurassica Eyefart eating a wholesome serving of Who-food.

I heard something from outside my cave. It seemed to be a Who trespassing. I sent Pip up to chase him off and perhaps nibble on some of his toes, however I remembered too late that Pip is a chihuahua and, more importantly, is a vegan. It is very difficult to find him proper dog food, so we tend to give him banana peels and cauliflower. Anyway, the teenager got away, and stole Pip's new tricycle! I vowed to exact my revenge....

It was a sad morning on December 25th for all the Whos in Whoville. The previous night I harnessed the might of Pip and set off on my sleigh to rob Old St. Nick. The old man went down easily. See what happened was I was traveling North at about 15 miles an hour down Who Street, and Old Jollypants was traveling at 13 miles per hour west on What Street. It's simple physics; two men go in, one man goes out. But Old Beardy had coming all along; the old geezer was wanted for trespassing by 6 billion people around the world in over 50 countries. Rumor has it that he would abscond with food and drink (milk and cookies were his preference but he was known to raid the alcohol cabinet). Last I heard, the chubster was locked up just outside Alcatraz.

You're welcome, World.

Back to that night though. I went door to door, chimney to chimney, tree to tree, house to house, roof to roof, dog to dog, refrigerator to refrigerator, town to town, city to city, whoville to whathisfaceville, county to county, country to country.

I would have gone planet to planet but I wasn't sure if they even celebrate Halloween on the moon.

I even got little Cindy Lou Who to help (all she needed was the Droid x that I had stolen from the mayor...).

In addition, we travelled to the north pole and captured 16 elves from the Claus residence, and took captive Mrs. Claus to bake us goodies.

In total, we amassed billions of gifts, trillions of cookies, and the feeling of really making an impact on the lives of many. Christmas was great! for us at least.... I spent at least 3 days opening all of my new presents. However, I found that I didn't enjoy them all (some seemed ill fitting and not well thought out for me), so I returned for cash value and then bought myself more presents. What joy!

There is a blizzard going on now. Fortunately, I have literally billions of presents to keep me warm, safe, and occupied for at least 30 more minutes. Some may call me a Grinch, but I see myself as something different; an opportunist. If a fat old man can enter strangers' houses and give gifts, why can't I enter strangers' houses and take gifts away? Is Christmas really about the gifts? I am simply trying to help others find the essence of Christmas...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

You're welcome, World.

Constructive Feedback

2010-12-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

Recently, we have been recieving some complaints from our viewers. Although some are constructive (such as post more pictures!) others are not so. The most popular ones are as follows:

Change US Colors from Red White and Blue to Cheetah

Instead of selection camp, begin an underground fight club to determine team members.

Have a badminton tournament.

Change the US "mascot" from the eagle to a swan.

While these changes are interesting, some of them are just implausible! First of all, how could we have a badminton tournament without equipment. The mere thought of gathering enough people and raquets, not to mention birdies!, to play with is a logistical nightmare.

Although nothing would please me more than changing the colors to a more "intimidating" and threatening scheme, my complexion works best with red white and blue so I am afraid that I cannot change this either. However, I am working on adopting a cheetah from the African wilderness as the new team pet!

As far as the second complaint goes, I can neither confirm nor deny the rumors of what may or may not have happened this summer nor comment on the plans for this summer.

Finally, I would like to say that I CAN do something about the National Emblem of the United States. As of today, December 16th 2010, I have officially changed National Emblem from the Bald Eagle to the Swan. Your welcome.

PICTURE OF THE DAY:

Chandler Lally as a young tot.

2010-12-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

In less than one week, about 25 of the country's fastest junior women rowers (at this time) will be headed off to good, old Austin, Texas. Founded in 1845 when it was annexed into the United States under James Polk (our nation's 9th president, nicknames James "Polka-Dot" Polk, or "Polka Dance Man"), Texas is a fine state. The rowing club (Texas Rowing Center) is located in near the scenic Lady Bird Lake and is rumored to have never had a windy day.

Last year, the junior women who came had a fun and packed long weekend of rowing, erging, and of course eating! Here is a picture of the Head Coach this year, Liz Trond, eating something at the team dinner last year:

Liz Trond sits down to a meager helping of food after an
arduous day of coaching.

What a charmer!

This year, Head Coach Liz Trond, Assistant Coach Kate Maloney, and Assistant Coach Sandy Armstrong will join HP Team Head Coach Cass Cunningham in assessing the power, endurance, and potential of the junior athletes invited. Last year was awesome, and no doubt this year will return the same amount of success.

Last year, many athletes were identified at this camp for the 2010 Junior National Team (10 athletes in total), and many went on to the 2010 Junior High Performance Team. Additionally, many newcomers came and showcased their talent, really raising the bar.

Rowing on the final morning in Austin, Texas.
What a fun morning filled with switches and hard racing!

Some goals to reach for this year are (assuming the measures for anerobic and and aerobic training remain the same):

400 watts (or better) on the 1" max power assesment; this translates to about a 1:36.5 split.

2:00 (or better) for 4 by 10 minutes with 2" rest.

This year, we're looking forward to rowing hard, learning a lot about nutrition and excercise, and EATING (not necessarily in that order)! In the 2009 camp, there was even a super cool nutrition seminar, and our meals were filled with whole wheat and nutritious foods.

1 day until camp!

2010-12-03T07:50:00.000-08:00

Look! What a joyous family we are.....

It has been a while since my last post, but after a well-deserved break, it is time to start preparing for the 2011 FISA Junior World Championships in Eton, England. Last year, the United States had an extremely successful showing, bringing home gold in the JM8+, silver in the JW4- and JW8+, and a bronze medal in the JM1x! Additionally, the JW4x made the Grand Final for the first time in United States history! This could not have been possible without the support from our loyal comrades back in 'Merica.

While New England is beautiful this time of year, the occasional northeaster makes it a region that does not prove to be ideal for rowing. Perhaps it is because the sub-zero temperature makes one numb to the pain of arduous rowing sessions. So, in just four days, 24 of our nation's top junior women rowers will be headed down to Austin, Texas to enjoy rowing on what might be the calmest river known to man in the northeast area of Austin... maybe we'll even have the opportunity to taste some of the local specialties, such as the armadillo taco! All jokes aside, this will be my fourth time attending the High Performance Camp and it has been invaluable to my individual preparation for the Jr. World Championships. The southern hospitality I experienced really made my trip both informative and enjoyable.

A special congratulations goes out to Head Coach Liz Trond, who follows in the footsteps of Justin C. Moore. While some have argued that her flowing blond locks were a factor in her acquisition of this position, I can assure you that this is not the case, although it is an additional benefit. Alongside Trond, USRowing welcomes Sandy Armstrong and Kate Maloney as assistant coaches.

Limbo

2010-07-24T18:02:00.001-07:00

Went to see the movie Inception... and began to question the very fabric of the universe. Is it polyester, cotton, or Limbo? How many stages of life are there? A snowstorm, falling into the water from a van, an elevator, a hotel room, or limbo? What is reality?

With that, we move onto a new segment we call

CHRISTINA SAYS:

"I think that reality is like a bowl of ice cream with brownies mixed in. And chocolate. And caramel, oooh and sprinkles. Wait.... where was I? Ahh yes, life is like a bowl of ice cream. Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is unknown, but today is a gift; that's why it's called the 'present.'"

Dinner, Dinner, Dinner!
Now, here are some cool pics of us going to a team dinner dressed like true patriots.

Let us set the scene first, though. It is a dark and stormy night. Suddenly, a lightning bolt strikes. The elevator plummets as the power goes out. Fortunately, our coxswain was level minded enough to take a picture!

Sadly, we lost a life tonight, and we will forever remember Jean Claudette in our hearts. She will always be remembered for her delicious cakes and pastries and hilarious comments that brightened up everyone's days.

Unfortunately, she could not brighten up the elevator, and we found ourselves trapped without food or drink for a little over three minutes, ultimately forced to cannibalism. Says one patriot, Chandler Lally, "It was for the better of the boat." Lucy Grinalds chimes in, "It's what she would have wanted." Looking back, we may have been a little hasty.

Anyway, onto our second feast of the night. Imagine this; an exotic Hanukkah somewhere south of the border.

Day 734

2010-07-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

We have been here for a little over two years now. However, it seems like only a month ago that we were trekking up the hills of ConnCastle. Last Week, on our way to the pool of everlasting life (here known as the "Y"), we caught a glimpse of the Iron Knight of these lands, Justin C. Moore. We chased him down the roads for near two leagues. Says one fair maiden, Princess Faith Richardson, "It was like he was cantering with the strength of thirteen and three fourths griffins." That he was, young lass.
Today, we entered into battle atop our mighty steeds against a strange and imposing force known heretofore as the Junior Men's National Team. Team of what? you may ask. That we do not know... You could hear the cackling of the two small witches as they screamed things like "Pain!" or "Row?" Ultimately both forces prevailed through stiff battlements and we congratulated our courageous and valiant opponents. Says Jessica Eiffert, "They were such friendly young fellows; they are welcome in these lands any time."

OUR ESCAPADESJest some maidens at the most important meal of the day. Here they are replenishing their stores after a truly tiring jousting session. Look at how happy they are. What a truly magical day. Money to barter at the local market. We will soon be buying healthy and hearty foods at Frauline Wegman's. How responsible. We are truly growing as princesses.
Look at us. Just two fair maidens in etiquette class.
How delicious manners are...

This is frauline Agatha, our tutor, from Hufflepuff. She does not quite fit in here.

2010-07-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

The past two days have passed quickly, like the wind flowing beneath the wings of an eagle. These days have brought with them both great happiness and sorrow for our clan. On Thursday, July 15, the year of the snake, we nearly lost four to the great smoke. An angry fire burst forth from their cookware as the young tribe members tried to stifle the flames by sticking their hands in the fire.

Their bravery and audacidy was rewarded by an end to the cruel fire, however the smoke set off strange, loud noises in the ceilings throughout the entire Residence Inn, and everyone had to be evacuated. Soon, the police and the fire department arrived and swirled in like caped avengers into the young ones' dwelling. The children learned an important lesson about where smoke comes from, and how to better control unpredictable fire's sneaky cousin (smoke). Our clan grew stronger, and we pass each day planning our revenge against fire and its evil cousin.

Food Crimes
The Case:

On Friday, July 16th, a jar of nutella went missing from Christina Bax's custody. She claims the tastey topping must have been stolen but could it be that Miss Bax just didn't want to share....

Suspects:

Rosie Grinalds; The most common food crime offender and nutella fiend

Agatha Nowinski; Has the reputation of eating anything and everything she sees, edible or not.

Christina Bax; Although friendly, has a dark side when it comes to sharing deserts (or any type of food for that matter).

Lucy Grinalds; Adores nutella.

I, Faith Richardson, was on the case. First I began my investigation with Bax and Grinalds, L. They seemed clean, but then a little birdie told me that Bax had been eating the nutella earlier and refusing to share. Bax assured me she would have shared, but I wasn't convinced.

Later that day I hit a block. I questioned my worth as a city slicker, and trudged around dejectedly. This was when I hit a break in the case. I saw Rosie and Agatha leaving the boat bay, smiling and giggling, with nutella on their fingers.

Ironically, I found that they had hidden the nutella near the weight scale, the last place anyone would look. I had to give them credit as I cuffed them and read them their rights; it was almost the perfect crime. They could spend life in prison thinking about the severity of their actions.

I returned the nutella to Grinalds, L, because I still didn't trust Bax with it. She seems shady when it comes to desserts. Agatha and Rosie however, could have their just desserts IN PRISON.

THE END

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Practice yesterday was the toughest yet. We found ourselves tested with everything we have worked on to this point, and mentally had to hold ourselves composed until we got the weekend off.

Boom Boom Pow!

2010-07-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

It's week two here. Not much has happened. A few have fallen off the pack and disappeared. Today we lost three kids to the wolves.

Yesterday, on July 13th, 2010, Princeton experienced a torrential downpour. The severity of the rain forced the fifteen junior women to the erg room, where they embarked on a journey through songs, pulling their brains out. At one point, Kate Maloney (nicknamed "Mama Bear") had to wipe up Eliza's brain juice! Although, when all was said and done, the junior team dropped their handles, completing the workout together, as a team, as a family, as a gang, as a wolf-pack, as neighbors in a hotel living area, as a grouping of people, and as rowers. On a serious note, the workout was a critical stepping stone in the development of our team in working together to achieve our golds.... did I say golds? I meant goals!!!!

Today there was a scrimmage between the U23 Women, Men's Junior National Team, and Women's Junior National Team. It was really fun to race such a talented and dedicated group. Says one Junior Team member, Emmi Benton, "The racing that went on this morning was so much fun! It allowed us to find the strengths and assess the weaknesses within our individual boats." Kristen Faulkner, another Junior Team member, elaborated on this when she said, "It really showed the unity we have in our country, in the sport of rowing. I guess that's why it's called the United States of America..." These words resonated within our hearts as slowly all of our right hands clasped our chests. Head Coach Justin Moore then led us in singing "The Star Spangled Banner," as we once again revealed our natural ability to sing harmonies as a team.

Now we conclude with a **NEW FEATURE**!
A THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION ANSWERED BY A TEAM MEMBER
What does it mean to YOU to be an American?

"Opportunity, I mean for us on the team, we all worked our way up and took advantage of the opportunity we had to be the best that we could be." - Maddie Lips

Sincerely,
Chandler Lally
Rosie Grinalds
Lucy Grinalds

Meet the Team!

2010-07-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Setting the scene: The date is July 1st, 2010. An ominous cloud hangs over the Coast Guard Academy, as 15 athletes prepare to hear their fates. Head Coach Justin Moore claps his hands together and affectionately welcomes them to the 2010 Junior Women's National Team. Abruptly, sun breaks free from the oppressive cloud that looms over New London and birds begin to sing as the athletes join them in song and praise. Soon however, it's back to work, as we are reminded that we are not a show choir, but a rowing team, a band (a gang if you will) of athletes forever bonded through representing the United States. We hide our jazz hands as we grasp our oars as we begin our first official row as the 2010 Junior Women's National Team.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS:

Christina Bax - "I'm so excited to train with some of the best coaches and athletes in the world, and cannot wait to compete at the Junior World Championships this summer."

2008 Tempe High Performance Sculling Development Camp
2008 Junior B Development Camp
2009 High Performance Team

Marianne Hoeft - "Transitioning from sculling to sweep, I wasn't sure of what was going to happen, but I'm really happy to be able to row for the USA, with such an amazing group of rowers and coaches."

2009 Sculling Selection Camp

Carli Goldberg - "It's one thing to row for your team back at home, but another to actually row for your country. It's an honor to represent the United States at the World Championships."

2008 Tempe High Performance Sculling Development Camp
2009 High Performance Team

Maddie Lips - "A lot of hard work went into it [making the team], and it was exciting to see it all pay off!"

2007 Junior B Sculling Camp

2008 Tempe High Performance Sculling Development Camp

2009 High Performance Team

Kristen Faulkner - "The fact that I would be representing the USA was the biggest thing for me! It's something I've always wanted to do, kind of like a dream come true."

Jessica Eiffert - "For the past couple years I've been through the system [2007 Sculling Development Camp, 2008 Sweep Junior B Development Camp, 2009 High Performance Team, 2010 Junior National Team], and it is great to finally make it to the top."

2007 Sculling Development Camp

2008 Sweep Junior B Development Camp
2009 High Performance Team

Eliza Spilsbury - "I was kind of shell shocked, I never expected to make it [the team]. It meant that my hard work was being recognized. I was proud to make the Junior National Team at my age [she is 15, born in March 1995] and I'm excited for what the future holds."

Agatha Nowinski - "I was proud that I finally reached my goal of making the team after all my hard work. I never could have made it this far without all of the coaches and people that believed in me."

2008 Sweep Junior B Development Camp
2009 High Performance Team

Christie Devlin - "I was really surprised [to have made the team] because coxing is subjective and all the coxswains had different strengths. Ultimately, I am beyond ecstatic to have made it here and to have the opportunity to represent my country this summer."

Hemingway "Emmi" Benton - "Last year was great [being on CanAmMex], but this year is a lot more exciting as I am able to compete against some of the best junior athletes in the world with some of my best friends by my side."

2009 CanAmMex Team

Rosie Grinalds - "I am really thankful to my coach at home, Liz Trond, and all of the coaches at Selection Camp (especially Corrie McGrath and Sue Cohen from CanAmMex last year), for helping me to grow as an athlete and as an individual this year. Without their support, I never would have come this far."

2009 CanAmMex Team

RETURNING TEAM MEMBERS:

Louise Breen

2009 Junior National Team

Lucy Grinalds
2007 Junior A Development Camp
2008 Junior National Team
2009 Junior National Team

Chandler Lally

2008 Junior B Development Camp
2009 Junior National Team

Faith Richardson
2009 Junior National Team

More updates to follow!